BP is currently performing technical tests on credit card payment systems for fuel and could be the first petroleum retailer to implement this way to pay, once government legislation is amended to allow for it.

BP took the lead in the industry by being the first to introduce debit card payments for fuel two years ago. This was made possible by a substantial investment in high-tech portable payment terminals to help reduce cash on forecourts.

Once again, BP intends to be first off the starting blocks in terms of credit card fuel payments, in a move set to make it easier for the influx of foreign visitors in the wake of the Confederations Cup and FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup of which BP and Castrol are official sponsors.

BP, along with others such as the Banking Association of South Africa, have lobbied for a change in the regulation which has in the past prevented fuel being paid for by credit cards.

The Department of Minerals and Energy earlier this month published a draft bill with regard to changing the relevant legislation to allow for credit card payments, acknowledging the need for SA fuel payments to be aligned with global custom.

BP – voted SA’s top petroleum brand for the eighth year in a row – plans to extend its debit card payment service currently offered at most of its BP service stations nationally, to include credit and cheque card payments.

Joe Mahlo, Head of Marketing at BP says the company had invested over R20-million in infrastructure and operational costs to offer debit, credit and cheque card payments in readiness for the possible change in legislation in order to better serve its customers.

“BP, recognizing that crime continues to be a major concern on forecourts, believes that the introduction of credit, cheque and debit card transactions will lead to reduced cash on the forecourt and a safer environment for dealers, forecourt staff and motorists.

“In the past, SA motorists had to pay for fuel by cash, garage or fleet cards. Once we introduced the debit card system, they were able to transact without leaving their vehicle, nor losing sight of their cards.

“The portable payment terminal at BP service stations allows customers to conclude the transaction by inputting their pin number when paying with a debit or a chip based card without getting out of their car.

“It not only reduces transaction time but also allows for total transaction visibility, and it’s safer because there is no cash involved”, says Mahlo.

Other benefits include reduced forecourt congestion and fraud possibilities as the card is not taken away to be swiped at a central point, but this is done right at the pump in one’s car. Similar safety measures have been put in place when transacting with all types of credit or cheque cards at BP forecourts.